Where do I stay first time to Bonaire?

[gypsyjim]

Just make sure you clarify with them exactly how many cylinders that gets you on the boats. When we booked last November, the advertisement was very clear about the boat dives - 5 x 2 tank dives = 10 cylinders. When the vouchers arrived 5 days before traveling in February, the voucher stated 6 x 1 tank dives = 6 cylinders. In the end because we were in a group and so had a boat to ourselves we rearranged this into 3 x 2 tank dives = 6 cylinders. We didn't kick up too much of a fuss because in Bonaire we just did more shore dives, which were more enjoyable anyway, but if you're counting on only diving from a boat it would make a difference.

No matter where you book, or where you travel, it pays to keep copies of all contacts, vouchers, etc, so you can show staff what you were promised if there is a problem. Same thing with airlines,etc. Copies of all contact document and emails have become a part of my travel documents. Lots easier to resolve a misunderstanding when you have hard copies, or access to email copies that you can retrieve.

 

[Doctorfish]

If you are looking to boat dive primarily, there is ease in staying at a dive lodge like Buddy Dive, Capt Dons, Divi where you essentially roll out of bed, down to breakfast and then the dive dock. Buddy dive's basic boat diving package is for 6 tanks, upgrading to 11 cost us another $125 or so last summer, nitrox included. Both Buddy and Divi ran 2 tank boat dives when we were last there but check beforehand. The shore diving is great all over the island but again, there is nothing easier than entry and exit on the ladder at the house reef at the dive lodges, particularly if this is a milestone birthday and you are not so spry on the ironshore.

In my opinion, the house reef at Buddys, Capt, Dons, Sand dollar ( all contiguous ) is a better site than further south at Divi or Plaza.

Dispite above comments about potentially not needing a vehicle, in my opinion a truck is essential if you want to shore dive away from your lodge, explore the island or dine out at one of the many exceptional restaurants ( and you are going to want to do all of these things especially if this is your first time on Bonaire.)

I am not a fan of the Plaza for a number of reasons, it's a very long way from the rooms to the dive shop and to the shore. The breakfasts were served in the hotel indoors and not right on the shoreline in an open area like at Buddy dive and Divi. The Stayed there once and have never been back, whereas we are frequent fliers at Buddy and Divi.

I don't think you can go far wrong anywhere on the island but my preference in order is Buddy Dive>Capt Don>Divi>Sanddollar.

 

[gypsyjim]

Not sure the Plaza breakfasts are indoors any longer. We were there in '09 and '10 (maybe ('10-'11, I forget), and the indoor restaurant was not in use, and breakfast was served in the open air restaurant near the pool.

 

[diverjen]

Thanks for posting everyone (and especially the post from Doctorfish). This thread really struck a chord with me as well. I am hoping to return to Bonaire within the next year. Last time I went I was very healthy and fit (training for triathlons, etc). Unfortunately I had an accident and dislocated my knee requiring a long recovery period. While I am getting better all the time, I am pondering my next dive trip as it will from different eyes and knees than before. I really love the house reef and setup at Sand Dollar, and also loved those southern sites with tricky entries. It is also my goal next time to make it to the park, which I hear also has some tricky entries. So my plan is either to go back to Bonaire and go heavy on the boat dives, try Curacao (sandy entries, but further surface swim), or think about going to a more boat diving central spot like Cozumel. But I really really loved Bonaire and am hoping to make it back there as I love the dive dive dive focus and I am a new diver so I need a baby dive location that is budget friendly, which of course Bonaire is. It also doesn't hurt that I love coral and macro...

So, thanks for the thread, I have been considering Buddy's but am scared of getting a really crappy room, I don't need luxury but I like clean and hubby has allergies so mold is a deal breaker. Plus it would be nice to be a dive lodge type place as it would be great to meet other divers, whereas at Sand Dollar you are more on your own (which is nice sometimes, but I like meeting people).

Sorry this semi-hijack went on sooooooo long!

 

[uncfnp]

Belmar has a very nice house reef with easy access. Good access to southern sites but have found that mosquitoes are more of a nuisance to the south.

 

[morecowbells]

We visited Bonaire for the first time in Jan 2013. We stayed at Bonaire Seaside apartments which we were very happy with(Bonaire seaside apartments). We found our unit on VRBO. Initially I was worried about street noise since it is on the north end of town and between 2 streets. The way our unit was designed(with the bedroom in the back, facing the courtyard)made it one of the quietest places that we have stayed at in the Caribbean(i.e. no barking dogs, crowing roosters, cars, nightclub music etc). Our unit was super clean, modern and best of all, right next door to Yellow Submarine Dive shop. Keep in mind, these units have ocean views but are not ocean front. The pool was very small and it did not have a resort like feel as some other places, but it was in a great location! Walking distance to downtown and restaurants, excellent value, easy access to both north and south dive sites and very secure. Have fun!

Not if, but WHEN we return to Bonaire I would stay at this complex again or look into the Hamlet Oasis area the or the units at Belmar.

 

[redacted]

Going to Bonaire for the boat diving is like going to Olive Garden for the steaks.

 

[gypsyjim]

While Bonaire is practically the perfect shore diving experience, there are folks who simply prefer boat dives for their own personal reasons. They have their reasons.
Boat diving Bonaire is purty nice too, if it's your thing. Most of us who return again and again to Bonaire feel that except for the island of Klien Bonaire there are only few sites you need a boat to dive, but these is no reason you can't boat dive any of the site.

I am hooked on the independence that the shore diving allows me, and the fact that I am on no one else's schedule. Shore diving is also a lot less pricy than doing all boat dives too. We have used boats though, to dive Washington Slagbaii Park, the Wild Side and Klien, and probably will do so again in the future.

When our DNY group hits Bonaire again this coming July we probably will do a Wild Side boat trip with Wanna Dive (the dive op for Windsock Beach Resort where we are staying this trip), as it's been a long time since I have dived that side of the island (not counting one very painful shore dive with Cardzard's SB trip a few years back), and few, if any, of the DNY have ever dived the east side at all.

 

[drrich2]

One thing I factor in on shore vs. boat diving is the issue of tipping. Considering how little many dive professionals make on charter boat trips, tipping seems a requirement of human decency if one goes on receives even decent service.

But I am under no obligation of conscious to tip the yellow rock at the shore dive sites.

It adds up.

Richard.

 

[tkaelin]

From what you describe as far as what you are looking for, take a lot at Capt Don's new Ocean front deluxe suites. We dove with Capt Don's 3 times but have not stayed with them. On our last trip we noticed these new units, right next to the dive shop yet private, right on the water with nothing between you and the water except the units' patios. You would be right next to the dive shop, tanks, boat dock and shore diving but off to the side where you would still have your privacy. As I said we have not stayed there, so can't give you our firsthand experience but the feedback on these new units are very positive. Check out TripAdvisor. We can recommed the dive op portion of Capt Don. They have a great set up for shore/boat diving. You have lockers right next to the dock with rinse tanks and showers. The boat dives are 3 single tank dives, early morning, mid morning and early afternoon. They post the scheduled sites the day before on a chalkboard. If you see a trip/site you want, just put your number on the board and you go. If you change your mind, even last minute, just erase your number. Could not be easier.